Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer

Having nephrectomy tomorrow - how do you cope with surgery stress?

My nephrectomy, (praying for a partial) is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Have to report tomorrow morning no later than 6:00. My personal life decided to add to my stress. One of my cats had a very severe asthma attack yesterday morning and is going to board at the vets while I’m undergoing surgery and recovery. On the way back home my car gave out. The stress last night was unbelievable. I’m a widow and live alone with my 2 cats. The worst and longest night of my life. Did lots of things and decided to let go of everything and just devote my energy to fighting the best that has invaded my body and my life. The dam beast is even trying to take my sanity as well. The SOB is going to have a battle if it intends to F with me. Community, sorry for the long post. Just needed to say what was going through my being.

Does Keytruda cause restless leg syndrome or RLS symptoms?

Keytruda and rls

How do you cope when family doesn't understand your cancer fears?

Im having liver surgery in a few days to remove the rcc that I spread from my kidney. Ill be doing keytruda after that. Im pretty scared. My family doesn't act like its a big deal. It is to me. This is so hurtful. Right now it feels worse than actually having the cancer come back.

What does sarcomatoid RCC mean and how do you manage severe flushing?

Hello. My name is Helen. I was diagnosed with sarcomatoid metastatic RCC in November 2018. I’ve been in treatment ever since (Optivo), remission for past few years. 2 questions 1. Can anyone explain the sarcomatoid piece of my diagnosis in layman terms? Just can’t seem to grasp it and the reason I’m in treatment for life 2. Does anyone have severe flushing? I’ve tried everything I know of to help but so far nothing has worked well. The fluid just seeps up through my pores and soaks me

How do you cope with immune-related side effects from Keytruda and Lenvatinib?

Stage IV FHdRCC Update since 3/5/26: irAEs after 3 rounds of Keytruda & 7weeks of daily Lenvatinib my husband was hospitalized March 8-10 with pain; inflammed gallbladder & liver. Which after 2 days pain was gone and labs trending better, but scans show gallbladder problems. On 3/23 labs show great liver BUT thyroid quit working due to cancer drugs so stated on thyroid replacement meds. On Mar 30-Apr 1 back into hospital with same problem. Yeah more immune realted problems from Keytruda and Lenvatinib. Now scheduled for gallbladder removal April 9th as HIDA scan shows dysfunction of gallbladder. Oncologist does not "think" gallbladder is immune related with Lenvatinib. I even hand him a 3/14/2026 Oncology Journal artical "Lenvatinib induced Acalculous Cholecystitis" which is exactly what my husband was diagnosis with. Not sure Oncologist read it. So sacrificing gallbladder to continue on full dose of Lenvatinib...if the cancer doesn't destroy the organ the cure does. The fight continues. I did learn how to put the 72 page hospital summary into AI for discussion and "more information". AI summarized the situation and gave me great talking points for the Oncologist and GI and Internal Medicine Doc. which I was ablevto go over with the 3 docs regarding the surgery And the irAEs inflammation. I will use AI in the future it is an additional tool for understanding.

How do you stay strong through metastatic kidney cancer treatment?

I was diagnosed with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in February, 2016. I was 53. I had 10% of my right kidney removed in Alexandria, LA. In November, 2018, it had metastasized to my spine. I had surgery to remove as much as could be removed. This surgery was done in Shreveport, LA. I opted then to go to MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I had radiation on my spine and iliac bone. In 2021 after taking the Maderna shots for COVID it moved to my left femur bone. I had radiation. It then moved to my right femur bone. I had radiation. In March of 2023, I had a light stroke that did not cause me any lasting problems. In December 2023, I broke my right femur bone. In 2018, I was given Votrient, a target therapy drug, which I took until January of 2023. I was given Cabometyx which they said caused my stroke so they immediately changed me to Linvema and I began taking Keytruda IV every three weeks. After a year of Keytruda, I was taken off of it due to side effects. I am still taking Lenvima. My cancer has been quiet as they say for two or three years. I totally believe in the power of prayer. God has gotten me through all of this, along with my husband, children, family, church family, community, and my awesome team of doctors at MD Anderson. I would not want to go to any other Cancer Center. MD Anderson in Houston, Texas is absolutely world known and the best. I pray for all of you dealing with this cancer. Most importantly, allow Jesus to walk with you through this journey. Your salvation is the most important decision you can ever make. We can endure anything when we know that we have a heavenly home waiting on us should our cancer win the battle. I honestly do not give the cancer that kind of acknowledgment. Only God knows when we will draw our last breath. Remember, as my husband reminds me quite often, “there is no tag on your toe right now.” Don’t stop fighting. I am nine years fighting and still going strong.

Can you have liver surgery for kidney cancer that spread to liver?

Im having liver surgery in 2cweeks for rcc in my liver.

Two Different Cancers at 73 - How Are Others Managing Multiple Diagnoses?

At age 73 I was diagnosed with RCC in February 2024 and also Neuro Endocrine Cancer (NET). 15 inches if small intestine removed and resected. NET cancer remains as the nodules left would complicate my digestive system if removed. Oncologists tell me it is a slow growing cancer and monitor it with quarterly blood work, 6 month CT scans and 6 month PET scans. So far no major issues or symptoms. The RCC resulted in a total left kidney removal. Scans every 6 months. Finished one year of Keytruda in May 2025. Now taking thyroid meds as Keytruda effected my thyroid. Last GFR 57 and have proteinuria. Nephrologist monitoring and dietician has recommended foods to avoid. Considering everything, I am feeling really good and have awesome family support.

What does Bosniak IV kidney cyst diagnosis mean?

Anyone have Bosniack lV kidney left side

Why do I feel worse after cancer surgery and where can I get a second opinion?

Update, Heard back from the Mayo Clinic and they said they cant help. I really don't know what to do at this point. Doing the best I can. This is what I tell people about what is going on but in reality I feel like I'm drowning. I still have no support despite asking my PCC. She is trying to help with management of my pain and is an ok job. I don't understand why I feel worse than before surgery. Im waiting to find out if the Mayo clinic will review my case. I hate not knowing what is going. Does anyone have advice on who go to for a medical history review?